U.S. equity futures were uneven as investors weighed a changed balance of power in Washington, the Iran war, corporate results and upcoming labor data. Lower crude prices and softer Treasury yields helped limit pressure on equities.
At 4:29 p.m. (Bangkok Time), Dow Jones Industrial Average futures advanced 0.56%, extending momentum after Wednesday’s rebound in the blue-chip benchmark. S&P 500 futures slipped 0.07%, while Nasdaq-100 contracts declined 0.87%.
Corporate earnings drove sharp moves in individual names. Qualcomm dropped 6.5% despite posting results above Wall Street expectations. AppLovin jumped nearly 24% after the AI-based advertising company reported stronger-than-forecast earnings and issued an outlook ahead of estimates.
Political developments remained central to market positioning after the midterm elections. Democrats gained control of both the House and Senate with solid majorities and also captured several governorships, prompting investors to reassess policy risks and potential legislative priorities.
Energy markets continued to retreat as traders looked for signs that Trump could seek an agreement with Iran to end the Middle East conflict. Sentiment improved after Vice President JD Vance wrote on X that the party’s election losses were tied to the war and suggested Republicans should pursue a settlement. Brent crude fell to $94 a barrel before regaining some losses on Wednesday, while West Texas Intermediate declined to around $88.
Investors are also awaiting new readings on the labor market. Weekly jobless claims and data from Challenger, Gray & Christmas are due to offer clues on whether October layoffs increased ahead of Friday’s main employment report.
Airbnb and Akamai are scheduled to release earnings after the market closes.
